Gutless choice is predictably disappointing

Originally, two dozen applied for the part-time job. That's an astounding number. In retrospect, it seems only the handful with commission experience need have bothered.

If city commissioners were so intent on finding someone who could provide a seamless transition -- and maintain the status quo -- as mayor of Kissimmee, they needn't have troubled political hopefuls for resumes and interviews.

The coronation of Linda Goodwin-Nichols was anti-climactic, even if it was a 3-1 vote. Goodwin-Nichols is the obvious, if safe, choice. In fact, she was the only choice those who control things had left after the stink raised by talk of resurrecting former commissioner and mayor Bob Makinson from the political graveyard.

For those not familiar with the story, George Gant, facing sexual-battery charges in connection with his work as former medical director of the Osceola County Health Department, was suspended from office. He has pleaded not guilty. Gant's removal set the stage for the remaining commissioners to pick a replacement mayor.

Heavily involved in the community, Goodwin-Nichols has an impressive resume. Term limits kept the real-estate firm owner from seeking re-election for a third four-year term in November. I guess you have to be a lawyer to understand the legal logic of its being OK for her to be appointed to fill out Gant's term because it's an appointment. Huh?

Back on board, many observers expect her to toe the line with the majority. Translation: Stay the course. Her vote on key issues -- the lakefront, the budget, police staffing and pay -- will speak volumes about the kind of legacy she leaves.

Goodwin-Nichols will be mayor until November 2006, when someone would be elected -- or sooner, if Gant works out his legal difficulties and returns to the dais. Hey, this whole circus shows anything, including that, could happen.

This week's selection process was curious from the start. Commissioners rambled for a bit and then went straight to nominations. The four didn't compare their "short lists" or use a point system to see who ranked the highest among them. That would have been a way to show that the sprinkling of newcomers, Hispanics and outsiders had a shot.

So what are Hispanics, newcomers and outsiders to do now? There's talk of recalling commissioners and demanding a special election to create some sort of district system. That would also force a mayoral election.

First, Hispanics need to get their act together, because divisiveness and egos weaken any effort to grab a share of power. No doubt, a city that is nearly half Hispanic should have someone on the commission.

Many reading this will say I'm dividing the community even more. It's true that Hispanics want many of the same things from their leaders as the rest of the population. But a Hispanic would bring a new dimension.

Meanwhile, the circus provides fodder for those who want to feed the perception that Hispanics are being treated unfairly.

Commissioners could have done something about that assessment by picking a mayor with bold, new ways to look at complex issues. But that would have required the political courage they seem to lack.